JameliaPop star Jamelia visited Uganda with ActionAid to meet some of the inspiring women we work with. Here, she talks about why ActionAid's women's rights work is so important to her.
>>Read Part 2 of our Jamelia interview
Why is ActionAid's work important to you?
Jamelia: I think everyone has to take their responsibility and potential seriously. We all can do our bit to help, whether it's donating money, time or reserving a thought for them. We all have the power to do something. And I'm really making a commitment to the ActionAid campaign, to bring about these changes and make it so no-one has to suffer like these woman have.
ActionAid's work is important to me because they are helping people who otherwise would not be receiving the help. The situation is so serious, that it's to the point where some of these women would be dead. Some of these women's children would not be here. They are helping women regain their dignity and regain their confidence.
Also allowing them not to stay in abusive relationships. ActionAid's work is just so amazing. I mean the things I have seen, the differences being made to these women's lives. These are not petty situations, these are real, living, harrowing situations, that you just can't imagine.
Why are you passionate about women's rights?
J: I'm passionate about women's rights because I'm a woman, I'm a mother, a sister and a daughter. I am the same thing as all of the women I've met in this trip. That makes me feel a bond with them, definitely makes me feel that i want to encourage everyone to get involved - particularly women - to get involved in this sisterhood.
What can people in the UK do to help? Why do we need to speak out?
J: These situations are purely circumstantial, just because they were born in this place, they are open and subject to some of the most harrowing situations. And just because of our geographical luck, we are not. I think we have to be aware of that and be open to that and really think about the difference we can make. A problem for one woman is a problem for another. I want to see women get the same opportunities I've had. The strength that I have, I want every woman to have, and for them to know that we are worthy of the best too.
Why should people sit up and take notice this IWD?
J: I think people should sit up and take notice this International Women's Day because being a woman is something that brings us together, being a woman is something that encompasses strength. We have so much that allows us to bond with each other.
I feel that knowing that, you can help another woman have the opportunities and equality we enjoy. To be a part of that change coming about is phenomenal and yet it doesn't take that much from us in the western world. I feel it's so important for us to have this compassion and bring about a change, to change the world. How great would it be to be a part of something like that?
We are part of one nation of women - brought together by so many things, whether it's motherhood, womanhood...being business-woman of the year. Your geographical location should not affect that. I want us all to have the same opportunities, and I want everyone to take notice and do their bit. We owe it to each other and I'm sure we'd want the same if we were in these women's shoes.
